I still think this is the right decision. There are a lot of stupid things the Phillies have done that have hurt them, but re-signing Hamels isn't one of them. He's a very, very good pitcher who is still at the top of his game. There are other big contracts they need to dump in exchange for some farm talent, but that doesn't mean you have to sell every good player you have now. Just stop trading away prospects for win now gambles and start drafting good prospects.

I still think this is the right decision. There are a lot of stupid things the Phillies have done that have hurt them, but re-signing Hamels isn't one of them. He's a very, very good pitcher who is still at the top of his game. There are other big contracts they need to dump in exchange for some farm talent, but that doesn't mean you have to sell every good player you have now. Just stop trading away prospects for win now gambles and start drafting good prospects.

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The farm is ruined (and the jury's out on whether or not Domonic Brown is broken, considering they blocked him for so long), their window is closing, and if you're dumping a big contract, you're getting jack shit in return (unless you eat it, which the Phillies won't do). By the time any A or even AA prospect comes up to the majors and performs at a reasonable level ... well, Hamels' contract will be expiring.

In any event, Rube's gonna Rube, so I almost expect him to trade Dom Brown for Ichiro tomorrow.

Why do they make a point of saying the Nationals are "the first Washington based team" to be 20 games over .500 since 1933?

There have been what, 3 (now) major league "Washington based" teams since 1933? The one that became the Twins & the one that became the Rangers, plus the Nats.

It's not like it's the same team Though it might be the first time the Nats/Expos have been 20 games over.

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It's MLB, where reporters spray their shorts anytime they can make a historical reference that dates back before WWII.

The so-and-sos are the first team since 1900 with 3 guys on the team named Fred, 2 lefties that have pitched on consecutive Tuesdays, and a manager who spanks it while watching the team shower on the road.